More and more people are using alternative therapies with their pets, and lately it is common to hear of some resorting to CBD oil treatments.
But what is CBD oil for pets, and what is the scientific evidence to support its use?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a derivative of the hemp plant that has been attributed with disease-treating qualities and various health benefits. Although many people associate hemp with a psychotropic effects, CBD is a non-psychoactive component of the plant.
Therefore, the first thing to clarify is that it has no psychoactive effects. But do you want to know more about CBD oil for pets? We will tell you.
What is CBD and how is it used in pets?
CBD comes from a variety of the hemp plant called Sativa, popularly known as hemp. This oil is high in cannabinoids and low in THC, which is the psychotropic substance. Therefore, its effects will never be drug-like.
There are many veterinarians already using CBD oil in their therapies. It is indicated for a vertebrate pets, as they have an endocannabinoid system similar to that of humans. The endocannabinoid system is related to neurotransmitters and processes such as appetite, mood and sleep.
The effects of CBD on pets affects their body and overall health. It helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation and calm anxiety.
CBD oil can be administered directly, by placing a drop or two on the muzzle. It can also be added in food, always following the recommended dosage and never exceeding it.
Effects of CBD on dogs, cats and vertebrate animals
Among the effects, the following stand out:
- Helps control pain and has calming effects that improve the quality of life when a pet is sick.
- Stimulates appetite.
- It is effective in convulsions, which can help dogs with epilepsy.
- Calming and palliative effects in sick dogs, also with cancer. It can also prevent the appearance of cancer cells.
- Calming effects in animals with anxiety or behavioral problems. It helps them to remain calm and reduce distress.
Especially the effects have been seen in dogs and cats, and as always you can consult with your veterinarian in case you are thinking of using CBD as a support in any treatment or disease of your pet. There are some professionals who do not use this type of substances and will not be able to advise you, but many others will.
One of the great advantages of CBD is that it has the medicinal effects of the hemp plant, but does not have the psychoactive effects. Even so, it is imperative that you check the maximum recommended doses (usually 1 milligram per day) to avoid any intoxication. It is possible that the side effects such as drowsiness may occur, although these are not serious in most cases.
There is still much to be investigated, but in addition to those mentioned above, it is associated with properties in cases of asthma, respiratory infections, pancreatitis and more. You can consult some related studies here and here.
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